Frequency of behavioural problems at one year following traumatic brain injury: correspondence between patient and caregiver reports

A group of 62 adults with significant (i.e., ventilation required for > 24 hours) traumatic brain injury (TBI) were assessed approximately one year following their injury. The people with TBI and their primary caregivers completed the patient and relative/friend versions respectively, of the 20-item Head Injury Behaviour Rating Scale (HIBS). Responses by the patient and caregiver groups were compared for the total number of problems reported and the frequency of specific problem behaviours. The caregiver group reported a greater total number of problem behaviours and a higher frequency for 19 of the 20 specific behaviours. These differences between the patients' and caregivers' reports were statistically significant for seven of the 19 problem behaviours. The majority (86%) of these significant differences were on items from the Behavioural Regulation, rather than the Emotional Regulation, subscale of the HIBS. The implications of these findings for the practice of neuropsychological rehabilitation are presented.